DVD/Blu-ray Roundup

Logan Lerman stars in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," out now on DVD and Blu-ray.

In this week's DVD and Blu-ray roundup: A pair of Oscar nominees, a fascinatingly quirky drama and a couple of original romances.

"Flight" (R, 2012): Denzel Washington scored a well-earned best actor nod for his portrayal of damaged pilot Whip Whitaker in this quite surprising drama. Based on the trailer (and, you know, movie history), I expected Whitaker to have the typical heroic journey, from a drug- and alcohol-addled nightmare to sober redemption. Only it doesn't work out that way, and more's the better. Washington's performance outsoars the film as a whole, but it's still a ride worth taking.

"The Sessions" (R, 2012): Helen Hunt does outstanding work (more than earning her best suppporting actress nomination) as a sex therapist hired to aid writer Mark O'Brien (John Hawkes) in this true story. O'Brien, afflicted since childhood with polio, spends most of his time in an iron lung and, well into his 30s, has decided it's past time to rid himself of his unfortunate virginity. The film is bracingly honest, touching and, most of all, funny, with a realistic but never maudlin view of O'Brien's difficulties.

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (PG-13, 2012): Alas, Oscar's attention didn't stretch to this incredibly charming coming-of-age '80s drama, despite stellar performances by Logan Lerman as an introverted teen coming into his own when he finds a new crowd; Ezra Miller as his gay mentor; and Emma Watson as his major crush. Wonderfully affecting and heartfelt -- a fine piece of filmmaking by writer/director Steven Chbosky, adapting his own novel.

"Robot & Frank" (PG-13, 2012): This pleasantly odd drama, set in the near future, stars Frank Langella as a former cat burglar on the decline. His children (Liv Tyler and James Marsden) buy him a robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) as a companion and chaperone, but wily Frank manages to use the 'bot for his own purposes. Susan Sarandon's around as Frank's possible love interest, adding an earthiness that helps keep the film grounded.

"Celeste and Jesse Forever" (R, 2012): Rashida Jones ("Parks and Recreation") co-wrote and stars in this warm romantic comedy about two great friends who finally realize they have no business being in love with one another. Andy Samberg delivers an unexpectedly deep performance as Jones' man-child best friend and soon-to-be ex-husband. These crazy kids don't belong together, but darn it if we don't see why they wanted to try.

"28 Hotel Rooms" (NR, 2012): Chris Messina ("The Mindy Project," "The Newsroom") and Marin Ireland ("Homeland") star as an unnamed man and woman who meet in a bar and carry on a several years-long affair in an assortment of hotels across the country. It wants to be a more visceral "Before Sunset," eliminating all of the in-between moments and concentrating just on what happens between the couple in the various rooms (and especially between the sheets), but it's ultimately less than inspiring.

Also out in the last two weeks but not reviewed: "Here Comes the Boom" (PG, 2012), with Kevin James as a teacher-turned-MMA-fighter; "Alex Cross" (PG-13, 2012), with Tyler Perry struggling against type as James Patterson's detective; "Skyfall" (PG-13, 2012), the best Bond film in ages, with Daniel Craig and Judi Dench finding new depths as the superspy and his boss; and RZA's directorial debut "The Man with the Iron Fists" (R, 2012).